Portable collapsible combination crib and play pen



Jan. 10, 1967 J. RIEGER PORTABLE COIJLAPSIBLIEI COMBINATION CRIB ANDPLAY PEN Filed Feb. 5, 1965 FlG.l

INVENTOR, Jock Rleqer,

ATTORNEY.

United States l atent C) 3,296,633 PORTABLE COLLAPSIBLE COMBINATION CRIBAND PLAY PEN Jack Rieger, 333 W. 56th St, New York, N.Y. 10006 FiledFeb. 5, 1965, Ser. No. 430,609 6 Claims. (Cl. 599) My present inventionrelates to a combination crib and play pen.

An object of this invention is to provide a babys crib of novel andimproved construction which is collapsible and portable.

Another object thereof is to provide an article of the charactermentioned, which in collapsed condition resembles a piece of handluggage which can be conveniently taken along in an automobile or trainwhile traveling, for use in hotels, motels and the like. It also findsuse in a small apartment, a trailer or any other place where space islimited.

A further object is to provide a portable and collapsible crib of thekind set forth, which can be set up as a play pen, or extended to smallbed-size.

Another object thereof is to provide a novel and improved crib and playpen combination which is easy to set into use and collapsed conditions,requiring no tools and all of whose parts are permanently associated. Inuse condition, the structure is sturdy. When collapsed, it is compact.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel combinationcrib and play pen having the stated attributes and which is simple inconstruction, reasonable in cost, easy to manipulate and efiicient incarrying out the purposes for which it is designed.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as this disclosureproceeds.

For one practice of this invention, the crib comprises end sections,which when brought together, form a carrying case resembling a piece ofhand luggage. These end sections are identical box structures whosemouth rims are in abutment when the crib is collapsed. Each end sectioncarries adiustable legs which are made long for crib use and short forplay pen use. Each of the sides of the crib structure is in two sectionswhich are hingedly connected. The remote ends of each side arerespectively hinged to the end sections. Side sections lengths are suchthat the length of the extended crib is nearly twice its width. The cribfloor consists of two panels which are in abutment when the crib isextended, and rest on ledges along the sections of the sides. The remoteends of said fioor panels are respectively hinged to the end sections ofthe structure, so they could be swung up into them. The sides of thecrib fold inwardly. When the end box structures are together, they arereleasably locked to maintain the compact assembly. One of the box endsections may have a hinged wall which can be swung downward to serve asan extension of the crib floor.

In the accompany drawing forming part of this specification, similarcharacters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a preferred embodimentof this invention. Here, the crib is in use condition and shows one ofthe floor panels started to be swung upward as an initial step tocollapse the crib.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing the crib partially collapsed.

FIG. 3 is aperspective view showing the article collapsed, ready to betaken in hand by its handle means and carried like a piece of luggage.

FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view shown partly in section,showing a modified form of leg structure.

3,296,633 Patented Jan. 10, 1967 FIG. 6 is an enlarged section taken atline 6-6 in FIG. 1.

In the drawing, the crib designated generally by the numeral 15,comprises essentially the generally identical end box structuresindicated generally by the numerals 16 and 17, the side members denotedgenerally by the numerals 18 and 19, the floor panels 20 and 21, and theidentical telescopic or extensible legs designated generally by thenumerals 22, 23, 24 and 25. The side member 18 is composed of twosections 26, 27, one in horizontal extension of the other with theirmeeting ends in abutment, and pivotally connected by the hinges 28, 28',to fold inwardly. The side member 19 is composed of two sections 29, 30,one in horizontal extension of the other with their meeting ends inabutment, and pivotally connected by the hinges 31, 31, to foldinwardly. The distal ends of these side members are within the end boxnumbers and pivotally mounted thereto on the respective axis rods 32,33, 34 and 35 which are supported on bearing brackets as 36, on theopposite side walls of said box structures. The axes of all pivotalconnections, are of course vertical and that to be noted is that theyare equi-distant from the mouth rim in each of the box structures. Themouths of said boxes 17, 16 are opposite each other in parallel verticalplanes respectively, and when the crib 15 is collapsed as in FIG. 3,their mouth rims abut each other in vertical plane. The floor panel 20is hinged to the end box 16, and the floor panel 21 is hinged to the endbox 17; said panels extending into said boxes respectively and swingableupward therein. In use position, said floor panels rest on ledgesoffered by the side members 18, 19. The side members sections may besolid panels, or as shown, each may comprise top and bottom horizontalrails as 37, 38, joined by spaced vertical slats as 39 which are set insuch rails to offer ledges as 40 on the bottom rails of all the sidemember sections, to support the floor panels 20, 21 when the latter aredown as 21 in FIG. 1; the top rails being so positioned that they giveclearance to allow the floor panels to be swung up into the boxstructures 16, 17 respectively.

The box structures may be shaped as shown, so when the crib iscollapsed, the casing 41 formed, resembles a piece of hand luggage, andof course to hold said casing closed, it is equipped with suitablelatches 42 as are used in the luggage art, and each box section may havea handle 43 so the article can be carried in hand. The numerals 44, 45indicate swingable hook bars to respectively engage the headed screws44, 45' to hold the side members from folding inward when the crib is inuse condition. Each leg may be a length of angle iron guided along thevertical box edges at the corners of the casing 41 by straps like 46fixed to said box structures and each leaf may have a longitudinal slotlike 47 having an enlargement as 48 at its upper end and oneintermediate its top and bottom ends (not shown) to engage releasablelatch means of suitable type which enter said enlargements to hold thelegs extended as in FIG. 1, or retracted as in FIG. 3. Such latchesbeing of the spring-biased type and may comprise a button 50 on a shankhaving a head 49 inside the casing 41, and carrying the compressionspring 51, or any other suitable type. In this instance the button fitsinto said enlargements as 48. If desired, the legs may retract into thecasing as is for instance shown at 52 where they are of telescopicconstruction; the leg in such instance being a rod 53 slidably fitted inthe fixed tube 54. If desired, the leg structures may be hinged to thecasing 41, one at each corner, with suitable releasable holdingappurtenances as in a bridge table, which is readily understandablewithout further illustration.

It is to be noted that the length of each of the sections 26 and 30 ismuch more than half the distance between the axes 34 and 35, and suchlengths may be made as long as possible so the folded side members willcome into the box structure upon the collapse of the crib as shown inFIG. 4. It is evident that each of the sections 27 and 29 will be longerthan their mate sections 26 and 30 respectively. The compactness of thecasing 41 will depend on the length of the crib required. Making saidsections of equal length would at most give a crib length about equal tothe width of the crib. However by the manner of structure here shown,the normal relation of width to length of crib as is conventional, canbe attained.

As a baby grows, it becomes taller, and so provision is made to increasethe elfective length of the crib, by having an opening 55 in one of thebox structures; said opening having a door closure which as herein shownis the panel 56 hinged to said box structure 17 at 54, so that when saidpanel 56 is lowered by being swung outwardly to the position indicatedby the broken lines 56' where it is stopped and held by folding sidebraces as 58, to be at the level of the floor panels 20, 21 and serve asan extension thereof. When said auxiliary floor panel is in use, the boxstructure 16 becomes the head end of such extended crib. A latch 59 isprovided to keep the panel 56 as a closed door when the crib iscollapsed, or not in use when the crib is in use condition.

It is evident that when the legs 2225 are retracted as in FIG. 3, thecrib in use condition as in FIG. 1, becomes a play pen.

To collapse the crib 15, the hooks 44 and 45' are swung to disengagethem from the headed screws 44' and 45' respectively, and after swingingthe floor panel up into the box structure 16, and the floor panel 21 upinto the box structure 17, the side members 18 and 19 are foldedinwardly a bit to bring the box structures nearer to each other as inFIG. 2. Then pushing said box structures towards each other while theyride on the casters 60 which may be provided on each of the legs, thefully collapsed condition shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is attained, after thecasing is locked by closing the latch means 42, and then the legs areretracted. The laden casing 41 can be carried by the handles 43, orrolled along on the casters 60. It is evident that the reverse procedureis used to erect the crib. In erected condition in any of the mannersthis article may be set up for, itis sturdy. Its weight should besufficient to prevent it from being toppled by the child using it. Thecasing 41 has space for thin bedding, its floor panels may have adheredthereto a thick layer of foam rubber to serve as a mattress or, allbedding including a pillow, of the inflatable type may be carried alongin the casing; no indication of bedding being shown in the drawing, forsame is well understood to those versed in the art, without thenecessity of further illustration.

This invention is capable of numerous forms and various applicationswithout departing from the essential features herein disclosed. It istherefore intended and desired that the embodiments shown herein shallbe deemed merely illustrative and not restrictive and that the patentshall cover all patentable novelty herein set forth; reference being hadto the folowing claims rather than to the specific showings anddescription herein to indicate the scope of this invention.

I claim:

1. In a crib and the like, first and second open box structurespositioned in horizontally spaced relation, with their mouth rimsopposite each other; the first box structure serving as the head end andthe second box structure serving as the foot end of the crib, first andsecond opposite, spaced, vertical side wall structures, each extendinginto both of said box structures and each hingedly connected at its endsto said box structures; said hinge connections being equi-distant fromthe mouth rim in each box structure; each side wall structure comprisingtwo hingedly connected sections in horizontal extension of each other;the axes of all said hinge connections being vertical; each side wallstructure being foldable inwardly of the crib, the lengths of thesections of the first side wall structure being unequal; the lengths ofthe sections of the second side wall structure being respectively equalto the lengths of the first side wall structure; the longer section ofeach of said side wall structures being opposite the shorter section ofthe other side wall structure; each section being longer than half thedistance between the side wall structures when said latter structuresare parallel, means on each of said Wall structures for releasablyholding its sections in horizontal extension of each other, bottom wallstructure extending into both box structures and positioned between theside wall structures; the ends of the bottom wall structure beinghingedly connected to the respective box structures; said bottom wallstructure comprising two separate sections having meeting edges betweensaid box structures; said bottom wall sections resting on ledges on saidside wall structures and swingable upwardly into said box structuresrespectively; the mouth rims of said box structures being substantiallyidentical in size and shape, and in parallel vertical planesrespectively, whereupon first swinging the sections of the floorstructure upwardly into the respective box structures, then releasingthe sections of the side wall structures for relative movement and thenmoving said box structures together, their mouth rims will be inabutment in vertical plane and said box structures will form a closedcasing housing said floor sections and the folded side wall structures,and means on said box structures for releasably holding the casing inclosed condition.

2. The article as defined in claim 1, including a leg at each cornerregion of the crib, movably mounted on said box sections and extendingdownwardly therefrom, means releasably holding said feet on said boxstructures; said feet when released for movement, being movable so thatthe bottom ends thereof come nearer to the floor structure and meansreleasably holding said feet when moved to the last mentioned position.

3. The article as defined in claim 2, wherein each leg is movable alongthe vertical.

4. The article as defined in claim 2, wherein each leg comprises twosections in telescopic sliding relation; one of said sections beingpositioned and fixed within the box section at which it is.

5. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein the wall of the foot endbox structure which is opposite the head end box structure, is providedwith an opening, a door closing said opening, hinged along at the planeof the floor structure, to swing downwardly away from the head end boxstructure, said door when swung downwardly, being in extension of thefloor structure, means to releasably hold said door as an extension ofthe floor structure when it is swung downwardly and cooperative means onsaid door and the foot end box structure, for releasably locking thedoor when the latter is across said opening.

6. The article as defined in claim 1, wherein the casing has theappearance of a piece of hand luggage, and handle means on said casingso it can be carried as a piece of hand luggage.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,498,633 6/1924Lewis 5-99.31 X 1,748,809 2/1930 Verdini 5-97 X 2,057,344 10/1936 Hannum5-177 X 2,592,166 4/1952 McLean et a1. 5-11 X 2,680,252 6/1954 Hatton5-177 X 2,695,412 11/1954 Kunz 5-177 X 3,031,689 5/1962 Sark 5-3103,094,714 6/1963 Lutes 5-99 FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner. R. D.KRAUS, Assistant Examiner.

1. IN A CRIB AND THE LIKE, FIRST AND SECOND OPEN BOX STRUCTURESPOSITIONED IN HORIZONTALLY SPACED RELATION, WITH THEIR MOUTH RIMSOPPOSITE EACH OTHER; THE FIRST BOX STRUCTURE SERVING AS THE HEAD END ANDTHE SECOND BOX STRUCTURE SERVING AS THE FOOT END OF THE CRIB, FIRST ANDSECOND OPPOSITE, SPACED, VERTICAL SIDE WALL STRUCTURES, EACH EXTENDINGINTO BOTH OF SAID BOX STRUCTURES AND EACH HINGEDLY CONNECTED AT ITS ENDSTO SAID BOX STRUCTURES; SAID HINGE CONNECTIONS BEING EQUI-DISTANT FROMTHE MOUTH RIM IN EACH BOX STRUCTURE; EACH SIDE WALL STRUCTURE COMPRISINGTWO HINGEDLY CONNECTED SECTIONS IN HORIZONTAL EXTENSION OF EACH OTHER;THE AXES OF ALL SAID HINGE CONNECTIONS BEING VERTICAL; EACH SIDE WALLSTRUCTURE BEING FOLDABLE INWARDLY OF THE CRIB, THE LENGTHS OF THESECTIONS OF THE FIRST SIDE WALL STRUCTURE BEING UNEQUAL; THE LENGTHS OFTHE SECTIONS OF THE SECOND SIDE WALL STRUCTURE BEING RESPECTIVELY EQUALTO THE LENGTHS OF THE FIRST SIDE WALL STRUCTURE; THE LONGER SECTION OFEACH OF SAID SIDE WALL STRUCTURES BEING OPPOSITE THE SHORTER SECTION OFTHE OTHER SIDE WALL STRUCTURE; EACH SECTION BEING LONGER THAN HALF THEDISTANCE BETWEEN THE SIDE WALL STRUCTURES WHEN SAID LATTER STRUCTURESARE PARALLEL, MEANS ON EACH OF SAID WALL STRUCTURES FOR